Read Online Season of Passion by Danielle Steel - Free Book Online Page B

but she had told her so many times before that she was no longer sure how to say it.
    Kate was asleep before nine o'clock, and Felicia tucked herself onto the couch with a book. She wasn't tired and it had been a rough week at work. It was nice just to sit and unwind, nice to get away. She got engrossed in the novel and it was almost one o'clock when she heard Kate stirring in her room. She listened for a minute to be sure, and then she saw a gleam of light under the bedroom door.
    You okay? Felicia was frowning as she called out But the voice came back quickly.
    Yeah. She did sound all right
    You still have that bellyache?
    Uh huh.
    It was two minutes later when Kate came out of her room, and stood in the doorway in a long pink and white nightgown. She looked like a strangely swollen child, and on her face was a bright wide-eyed smile.
    Felicia ' The smile broadened.
    Yeah? What's up? Felicia didn't know what to make of the look on Kate's face. She looked ethereally happy, and Felicia had never seen her look like that before.
    I don't think it's a bellyache. I think maybe ' it's the baby. Kate almost laughed. She felt elated. It was crazy she was scared, and it was too soon, but she was excited. The baby! It was coming at last!
    You mean you're having it? Felicia suddenly looked gray.
    Kate nodded. Maybe. I'm not sure.
    Isn't it early?
    Kate nodded again, but she didn't look upset I think eight months is safe. And it's been almost eight and a half.'
    Did you call the doctor?
    Kate nodded again solemnly, with a look of victory. She was going to do it. She was going to have the baby. Maybe tonight. She didn't have to wait anymore. It was over! It was beginning! He said to call him back in an hour, or if the pains got much harder.
    You're having pains? Felicia squeezed the book in her lap and stared at her friend.
    I guess so. I thought it was just indigestion, but they keep getting stronger, and then every now and then ' And then, as though impatient with talking, she sat down suddenly and reached for Felicia's hand. Here, you can feel it.
    Without thinking, Felicia let Kate put her hand on the bloated belly. She could feel its hardness and tightness. It didn't even feel like a belly. It felt like a wall, a floor, something that could be cracked open, not squeezed.
    My God, how awful. Does it hurt?
    Kate shook her head, with that same excited look in her eyes, but there was a thin veil of sweat on her forehead. No, it doesn't hurt. It just feels very, very tight.
    Can I get you something, love? Felicia's hands were trembling and Kate laughed.
    No, and if you fall apart now, I'll kick your ass. I'm glad you're here.
    So am I. But she didn't look it and Kate laughed again.

    Relax
    Yeah. Felicia sighed deeply and sat back against the back of the couch. I can handle almost any crisis. But babies have never been my thing. I've never been to one before, I mean ' oh damn. I need a drink. The unrufflable Felicia Norman was ruffling badly, and Kate was strangely calm. This was what she had waited nearly nine months for.
    You don't need a drink, Licia. I need you. That was a sobering thought and Felicia looked at her. Kate didn't look as though she needed anyone
    You mean it?
    Yes. Her voice was tight again, and Felicia watched her. She knew what it was now.
    Another pain?
    Kate nodded, with a vague look, as though she were thinking of something else, and Felicia silently held out her hand. Kate took it and squeezed hard. The pains were starting to hurt.

Chapter 4

    The pains were rising to a rapid crescendo now, and there was barely a moment to breathe between them. Felicia sat tensely in a chair near the bed in the bleak little hospital room. She was holding Kate's hand. The sun was just peeking over the hills with a golden halo around it
    Want another piece of ice? Felicia's voice was harsh in the quiet room, but Kate only shook her head. She couldn't speak now. She just lay there, panting determinedly as she had learned to do in